Coronado Ferry: Schedule, Price & Tips (2026 Guide)
You know, sometimes, when you live somewhere, you end up recommending certain things over and over to visiting family and friends, yet you never do them yourself. Last weekend, my husband and I finally checked off this San Diego bucket list item: Take the San Diego Ferry to Coronado and back.
Did you know that you could take the ferry from Downtown San Diego to Coronado? It is the perfect way to get to Coronado without a car.
Fun fact: The San Diego – Coronado Ferry is the oldest wood ferry in the United States.
Also, read our recommendations for the best Coronado Hotels and best things to do in Coronado here.
Don’t Miss These Coronado Experiences
San Diego Ferry to Coronado
The Ferry to Coronado is a great way to get around for locals and tourists alike. Tourists can get a “Mini-San Diego Bay Cruise” for cheap and enjoy the scenery and view, and locals can even use the ferry service for free during the early morning commuter schedule.
Depending on demand (season, special events, etc.), Flagship uses various-sized boats for the ferry, so keep that in mind for your journey.
Good to know: Flagship also runs a separate, longer ferry from downtown to the Chula Vista Bayfront. If you’re headed to the South Bay or the Gaylord Pacific Resort, see our guide to the new Chula Vista ferry for its schedule, fares, and tips.
Important: According to the Flagship Ferry website, the ferries are wheelchair accessible (not the top floor and not the restrooms, though). However, on our crossing from the convention center to the city of Coronado and back in February, the boat was very small and I did not see any equipment to make the ferry accessible for wheelchair users. I would suggest calling them and confirming if you have specific needs.
Flagship San Diego: (619) 234-4111
Before you go to the article, here is the list of quick links for cruise lovers:
The most popular San Diego bay cruises
Ferry Landing
San Diego Ferry Landings
San Diego has two ferry landings for the Coronado-San Diego Ferry, one behind the Convention Center next to the Rady Shell, called 5th Avenue Ferry Landing. This ferry is much shorter and takes about 8-10 minutes to cross. It also goes every 30 minutes.
San Diego Convention Center 5th Ave Ferry Landing on Google Maps
The other one, called Broadway Pier, is halfway between the International Cruise Ship Terminal and the USS Midway. This Coronado ferry crossing only goes 1x per hour and is a bit longer. This one is about a 15-minute ride to get from Broadway Pier to Coronado. You’ll have much more boat traffic, so it is a bit wavier, but you’ll get some great views of downtown San Diego and the USS Midway.
Downtown Broadway Pier San Diego Ferry Landing on Google Maps
Coronado Ferry Landing
Coronado Ferry Landing is almost an attraction all in itself, and I would recommend you plan some time there. There are some fun souvenir shops, boutiques, and some amazing restaurants. Try Peohes for a great seafood happy hour and amazing views of Downtown San Diego. You can read our full guide on Coronado Ferry Landing here>>
Coronado Ferry Landing on Google Maps
San Diego – Coronado Ferry Schedule
The San Diego – Ferry runs daily, except on the following holidays:
New Years Day – Martin Luther King Day – President’s Day – Memorial Day
Independence Day – Labor Day – Columbus Day – Veterans Day
Thanksgiving – Day After Thanksgiving – Christmas Day
Broadway Pier Ferry Schedule
| Broadway Pier To Coronado | Coronado To Broadway Pier |
| 9:00 AM | 9:30 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 10:30 AM |
| 11:00 AM | 11:30 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM |
| 1:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| 2:00 PM | 2:30 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM |
| 4:00 PM | 4:30 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
| 7:00 PM | 7:30 PM |
| 8:00 PM | 8:30 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 9:30 PM |
| 10:00 PM* | 10:30 PM* |
| *only on Fridays and Saturdays |
Convention Center Ferry Schedule
| Convention Center/5th Ave To Coronado | Coronado To Convention Center/5th Ave |
| 9:25 AM | 9:10 AM |
| 9:55 AM | 9:40 AM |
| 10:25 AM | 10:10 AM |
| 10:55 AM | 10:40 AM |
| 11:25 AM | 11:10 AM |
| 11:55 AM | 11:40 AM |
| 12:25 PM | 12:10 PM |
| 12:55 PM | 12:40 PM |
| 1:25 PM | 1:10 PM |
| 1:55 PM | 1:40 PM |
| 2:25 PM | 2:10 PM |
| 2:55 PM | 2:40 PM |
| 3:25 PM | 3:10 PM |
| 3:55 PM | 3:40 PM |
| 4:25 PM | 4:10 PM |
| 4:55 PM | 4:40 PM |
| 5:25 PM | 5:10 PM |
| 5:55 PM | 5:40 PM |
| 6:25 PM | 6:10 PM |
| 6:55 PM | 6:40 PM |
| 7:25 PM | 7:10 PM |
| 7:55 PM | 7:40 PM |
| 8:25 PM | 8:10 PM |
| 8:55 PM | 8:40 PM |
| 9:25 PM | 9:10 PM |
| 9:55 PM | 9:40 PM |
| 10:25 PM* | 10:10 PM* |
| 10:55 PM* | 10:40 PM* |
| *only on Fridays and Saturdays |
Commuter Ferry Schedule
The Commuter Ferry service is free, but only for Coronado residents as well as active-duty military personnel in San Diego.
Morning Commuter Ferry Schedule
| Broadway – Coronado | Coronado – Broadway |
| 5:15 AM | 5:40 AM |
| 5:55 AM | 6:15 AM |
| 6:30 AM | 6:55 AM |
| 7:20 AM | 7:45 AM |
| 8:10 AM | 8:35 AM |
Afternoon Commuter Ferry Schedule
| Broadway – Coronado | Coronado – Broadway |
| 2:00 PM | 2:30 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 3:30 PM |
| 4:00 PM | 4:30 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
Ferry Price
The San Diego – Coronado Ferry costs $9 per person per crossing. Unfortunately, buying the return ticket right away does not give you a discount, so a 2-way ticket is $18 per person. Children under 4 are free. You can buy tickets right at the entrance of each ferry landing at the little machine (see picture below).
Important: The ferry is not part of the San Diego public transportation system but is operated by a private company. This means that your San Diego public transportation pass does not include the ferry to Coronado.
Ferry Tips From a Local
- Take a jacket. It can get quite windy and cold as you are crossing the water, especially at night.
- Make sure you go on the right ferry when you are in Coronado (one goes to Broadway Pier, one to 5th Ave/Convention Center).
- If you get seasick, take some meds. The ship is quite small, and while the bay is protected, you definitely feel the waves. I would recommend going on the Convention Center crossing, as it is much shorter and has fewer waves from other boats.
- Bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.
- Bring your camera. You’ll get some amazing views of downtown from the Coronado side.
- If you want to explore the shops and restaurants at the Coronado Ferry Landing, pick up a free flyer for discounts (see pictures below)
- You can take bikes/Segways for free, but they only allow limited numbers of them on each crossing, so you might have to wait.
- Only service animals are allowed; no pets, unfortunately.
- Take a photo of the ferry schedule, so you know when you have to be back on the Coronado ferry landing.
- Take a picture of your return ticket in case you lose it. They might not accept it, but they might be nice about it.
- Once you are in Coronado, you can either walk, use a shared-ride, or rent a bicycle (or quad-bike if you are a group) to get around.
Where to Stay in Coronado
The ferry is the fun way to arrive, but Coronado is worth an overnight (or three). Staying on the island means you get the beach, the village, and that dreamy small-town-by-the-sea feel long after the day-trippers head back across the bay. Here are the most popular Coronado hotels, from the iconic Hotel Del to easygoing value picks — whatever your budget, book early, because summer and holiday weekends sell out fast.
*Starting nightly rates are approximate and vary by season, availability, and demand — always check live prices for your dates.
| Hotel | Best For | Location & Vibe | From (per night)* | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel del Coronado (Curio Collection by Hilton) | Iconic splurge & beachfront glamour | Beachfront on Orange Ave; the red-roofed 1888 landmark, freshly renovated ($550M), with beach, pools & dining | $495 | Check Rates |
| Loews Coronado Bay Resort | Resort escape & special occasions | Private 15-acre peninsula on Silver Strand; marina, 3 pools, spa & bay views (a short drive from the village) | $256 | Check Rates |
| Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa | Bay views closest to the ferry | 16-acre bayfront resort with San Diego skyline views; ~5-min walk to the Ferry Landing, 3 pools & spa | $309 | Check Rates |
| Glorietta Bay Inn | Historic charm near the Del | Restored 1908 Spreckels Mansion across from Hotel del Coronado; boutique feel, walkable to beach & village | $259 | Check Rates |
| El Cordova Hotel | Mid-range value in the village | Spanish-style boutique inn in the heart of the village; courtyard, pool & steps from shops & restaurants | $189 | Check Rates |
| Coronado Beach Resort | Budget-friendly & family suites | Condo-style suites with kitchens near the beach; good for families & longer stays | $179 | Check Rates |
Coronado FAQs
The San Diego–Coronado ferry costs $9 per person, each way. There’s no round-trip discount, so a return trip runs $18 per person. Kids under 4 ride free. You can buy tickets at the machine right at each ferry landing.
It depends on which landing you leave from. The Convention Center / 5th Avenue Landing crossing is the quickest at about 8–10 minutes, while the Broadway Pier crossing takes around 15 minutes and gives you longer views of downtown and the USS Midway.
There are two San Diego landings: Broadway Pier (between the cruise terminal and the USS Midway), which runs once an hour, and the 5th Avenue Landing behind the Convention Center next to the Rady Shell, which runs every 30 minutes. Both drop you at the Coronado Ferry Landing.
The ferry runs daily starting around 9:00 AM, with the last regular crossings in the evening. On Fridays and Saturdays, it runs later, until about 10:30–11:00 PM. It’s closed on major holidays. Snap a photo of the schedule so you know when to head back.
No. The ferry is the perfect way to reach Coronado without a car. Once you’re on the island, you can walk, rent a bike or quad, or grab a rideshare to get around the village, beach, and hotels.
Not directly. The ferry drops you at the Coronado Ferry Landing, which is about 1.5–2 miles from the Hotel del Coronado. From the landing you can bike, take a rideshare, or hop the local shuttle to reach the Del and the main beach.
The Ferry Landing has bike and quad rentals, rideshares, and a seasonal shuttle. Coronado’s main village, Orange Avenue shops, and Central Beach are a flat, easy bike ride (or a short drive) away. If you’re staying overnight, the Coronado Island Marriott is the closest hotel to the landing at about a 5-minute walk.
Only for commuters. The free commuter service is limited to Coronado residents and active-duty military stationed in San Diego, and runs on set early-morning and afternoon schedules. Everyone else pays the standard $9 fare.
Bikes and Segways ride free, but only a limited number are allowed per crossing, so you may have to wait for the next boat. Pets are not allowed — only service animals.
Absolutely. For $9 you get a mini San Diego Bay cruise with some of the best skyline and bridge views in the city, plus a fun, car-free way to reach one of Southern California’s prettiest beach towns. It’s one of the best-value things to do in San Diego.
No advance booking is needed — just buy tickets at the machine at the landing before you board. If you’d rather have a guaranteed spot with narration, a bay cruise or harbor tour is a good alternative to book ahead.
The ferry runs a fixed route on a set schedule between the two San Diego landings and Coronado. The water taxi is an on-demand service that makes additional stops around San Diego Bay (like Seaport Village and the Embarcadero) and costs more, but offers more flexibility.
Thanks to this blog, I have gotten much better at exploring my beautiful hometown of San Diego. My husband and I had a fantastic time in Coronado and taking the ferry over was a lot of fun. You get some time on the water, can enjoy fantastic views of the city and appreciate the beautiful city of San Diego, whether you are a local or a visitor. We will definitely do this again.
TRAVEL TIPS
🏘️Book your accommodation
Booking.com will help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability
✈️Book your flight in advance
To find the cheapest flight options, you can use WayAway and find the most suitable option for you
🧾Get your tickets and tours
with Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey
San Diego Ferry to Coronado – Pin for later:
Last Updated on August 3, 2026 by Maria Haase
The post Coronado Ferry: Schedule, Price & Tips (2026 Guide) appeared first on San Diego Explorer.
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